Free Motor Vehicle Division Document and Identity Verification Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant for a REAL ID compliant driver's license presents a certified birth certificate in her maiden name and a valid passport in her current married name. To proceed, what additional documentation is required?
- A sworn affidavit signed by the applicant confirming her name change.
- A government-issued linking document, such as a certified marriage certificate. (Correct answer)
- Two additional documents proving proof of residency.
- A new birth certificate re-issued in her married name.
Correct answer: A government-issued linking document, such as a certified marriage certificate.
To establish a clear connection between a primary identity document (birth certificate) and a current legal name shown on another document (passport), a legal linking document is necessary. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order officially documents the name change.
Question 2: When an applicant applies for a REAL ID compliant license, their Social Security Number (SSN) must be verified. What is the standard method for this verification?
- A visual inspection of the applicant's original Social Security card.
- The applicant's verbal declaration of the number.
- An electronic verification with the Social Security Administration (SSA). (Correct answer)
- A notarized form where the applicant attests to their SSN.
Correct answer: An electronic verification with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The REAL ID Act requires states to verify the applicant's SSN with the Social Security Administration. This is typically done through an online verification system (like SSOLV) to ensure the name, date of birth, and SSN match the federal database.
Question 3: Which of the following is considered a primary proof of identity document for a first-time driver's license application?
- A student ID card with a photo.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. Passport. (Correct answer)
- A major credit card with a photo.
- A vehicle registration card.
Correct answer: A valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
A U.S. Passport is a primary identity document because it is a federally issued, high-security document that establishes both identity and citizenship. Student IDs, credit cards, and vehicle registrations are generally considered secondary forms of ID or proofs of residency, not primary proof of identity.
Question 4: An MVD employee is processing an application and suspects that the out-of-state birth certificate presented is fraudulent. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the employee to take?
- Accuse the applicant of fraud and immediately contact law enforcement.
- Confiscate the document and deny the application on the spot.
- Follow established internal procedures for escalating questionable documents to a supervisor or fraud unit. (Correct answer)
- Approve the application if the other submitted documents appear to be valid.
Correct answer: Follow established internal procedures for escalating questionable documents to a supervisor or fraud unit.
MVD employees are trained to identify suspicious documents but are not law enforcement officers. The correct procedure is to not escalate the situation with the customer but to follow the agency's internal protocol, which typically involves referring the document to a supervisor or a specialized fraud investigation unit for verification.
Question 5: For a non-U.S. citizen applying for a driver's license, which document serves as valid proof of lawful permanent residency in the United States?
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). (Correct answer)
- An employment letter from a U.S. based company.
- A valid driver's license from their country of origin.
- A certified translation of their foreign birth certificate.
Correct answer: A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card, is the official document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove an individual's authorization to live and work permanently in the United States.
Question 6: Modern REAL ID compliant driver's licenses incorporate multiple security features to prevent forgery and tampering. Which of the following is a key security element commonly found on these cards?
- The signature of the current state governor.
- A tamper-resistant polycarbonate card body with laser engraving. (Correct answer)
- A standard magnetic stripe containing only the license number.
- The applicant's blood type printed in microtext.
Correct answer: A tamper-resistant polycarbonate card body with laser engraving.
Many states have transitioned to using polycarbonate material for REAL ID cards because it is more durable and tamper-resistant. Laser engraving fuses information into the card itself, making it extremely difficult to alter without obvious damage. This is a significant security enhancement over older, laminated cards.
